Widgepage2

With just so many Aircrew being posted as missing, trying to get information was almost impossible. However Widge's parents were determined to find out what became of their son and so they started a long and protracted investigation with all and any organizations they could approach.

Air Ministry 10 October 1940

Sir

I am directed to refer to a letter from this department dated 12th August 1940, and to inform you that it is regretted that no further news has been received of your son, Flight Lieutenant Ronald Derek Gordon Wight, DFC. since he was reported missing on the 11th August 1940.

The aircraft took off at approximately 10 am on the 11th August. and encountered about 50 enemy fighters near Portland. Your son, who was leading his section, is believed to have attacked the enemy formation and nothing further has been heard of him/or his aircraft.

I am to add an expression of the Departments sincere sympathy with you in your great anxiety and to assure you that should any further news be received it will immediately communicated to you.

The next correspondence found from the Air Ministry were dated 7th January and 13 February 1941

Finally, nothing having been heard, in March 1941 the Air Ministry made a formal announcement that, in view of the length of time, RDG Wight will be officially noted as having lost his life 11th August 1940

The next letter, although not the one I am sure his parents would have wanted, was a small consolation. Widge had been awarded with the DFC and the official presentation from the King was now being planned. As Widge was not able to collect his award his Father was sent an invitation to attend on his sons's behalf. His father must have written back enquiring if Widge's mother could also attend and received polite confirmation that she could.

I did not find any further communications between Widge's parents and either the Red Cross or the Air Ministry until October 1942 when there was the following from the Air Ministry